> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.carto.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.carto.com/carto-for-agents/connect-your-platform/claude-code.md).

# Claude Code

If you’re setting up [Claude Code](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/overview) with CARTO, that means you’ll want three integration layers:

* **CARTO MCP Server**: gives Claude Code in-conversation access to CARTO tools.
* **CARTO Agent Skills**: teaches the agent CARTO-specific workflows and conventions.
* **CARTO CLI:** handles scripting, automation, and more advanced administration.

<figure><img src="https://3029946802-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FybPdpmLltPkzGFvz7m8A%2Fuploads%2F5RmHEWsjWu5xwzFDcdW4%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=0e882c83-cb9e-460f-8e96-b6bb2525322c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Connect the MCP Server

**No SPA OAuth client is required.** Claude Code is recognized by CARTO automatically.

First, copy your **MCP Server URL** from **CARTO Workspace > Settings > CARTO MCP Server**.

Then run:

```bash
claude mcp add --transport http carto https://<region>.api.carto.com/mcp/<account_id>
```

On first use, run `/mcp` inside Claude Code and choose **Authenticate**. Claude Code opens the CARTO login in your browser and completes the OAuth flow.

{% hint style="info" %}
Connecting over OAuth gives the agent the **full tool surface:** creating and editing maps, authoring Workflows, and admin. If your organization uses SSO, use the **SSO login URL from CARTO Workspace** instead.
{% endhint %}

## Add the Agent Skills

Install the [CARTO Agent Skills](/carto-for-agents/agent-skills.md) so Claude Code follows the recommended CARTO patterns – including choosing the right tool, SQL dialect, and job-handling approach.

```shellscript
/plugin marketplace add CartoDB/agent-skills
```

Then install the CARTO skills:

```shellscript
/plugin install carto-skills@agent-skills
```

See [Agent Skills → Installation](/carto-for-agents/agent-skills/installation.md) for more details.

## Add the CLI for scripting and admin

For scripting, CI/CD, headless runs, bulk or cross-organization operations, and deeper administration and auditing – such as querying usage logs with SQL – install the CARTO CLI:

```bash
npm install -g @carto/carto-cli
```

Then authenticate:

```shellscript
carto auth login
```

The **Agent Skills know when to reach for the CLI versus the MCP Server**, allowing Claude Code to choose the appropriate path for each request.


---

# Agent Instructions
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